About this Property
As described by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC), Sidney Woodlands Preserve is “a small but diverse mesic (containing well-balanced moisture) forest and hardwood swamp containing several rare species within a densely populated area.”
It is currently recommended for designation as a category NA-3 Natural Area. Prior to acquisition by MALC, this 3.76-acre site was under ownership of WEPCO for 81 years. This acquisition was made possible through a grant by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund and a donation by WEPCO. The site had been the subject of study by naturalist Richard Barloga starting in1984. Over 130 native plant species have been identified, and the parcel has an overall Floristic Quality Site Index of 46. It is estimated that less than 1% of the remaining natural habitats within Milwaukee County would score as high as 35.0, making this a premium example of pre-European settlement habitat. Informal footpaths crisscross the Sidney Woods, providing viewing access to the site’s vernal ponds. The location of the woods is less than ¼ mile from the Oak Leaf Trail.
Native plants present on the site include 24 tree species, 15 shrubs and 76 wildflowers, sedges and grasses. Red oak is the dominant tree, comprising approximately 40% of the canopy, followed by white oak, sugar maple and chokecherry, and accompanied by beech, basswood and other species. Of particular significance on this site is that the beech trees are reproducing, with small and medium age classes present. In Milwaukee County, the estimated number of remaining woodlands containing beech trees is only twenty-five. Additional notable plant species include purple-sheathed graceful and gray sedge; red baneberry, blue cohosh and wild sarsaparilla. The understory canopy also contains musclewood and witch hazel.
Human impacts to Sidney Woods have been minimal. There is no evidence of past deforestation or other disturbance. Its location within a densely populated area bordered by high traffic streets acts as a natural deer exclosure, limiting foraging of the native understory. The rustic nature of the site has been retained, with primitive footpaths that crisscross the property.
